After being sidelined for three games due to a concussion, C.J. Stroud is poised to gain clearance from the protocol and suit up for the Houston Texans in Week 13 against the Indianapolis Colts.
However, Stroud practicing again is only part of the significant quarterback news for the Texans.
The Texans began the season 0-3, but find themselves in the thick of the AFC South race and have a chance to improve their chances exponentially with a win against the Colts.
Texans Get Significant Injury Update Before Facing Colts
GettyDaniel Jones #17 of the Indianapolis Colts reacts after facing the Los Angeles Chargers.
Stroud (assuming he plays) and the Texans’ task may have gotten simpler, particularly when it comes to Colts QB Daniel Jones.
Stroud logged a second full practice on Thursday, per the Texans’ injury report. So did Jones, coincidentally, despite what is being reported as a fractured leg suffered in Week 12 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
“#Colts QB Daniel Jones, who has been dealing with a lower leg injury, suffered a fracture in his fibula, sources say,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on X on November 27. “Jones was a full participant today and one source said, ‘He looked good.’ Jones will continue to try to play through it. Toughness never questioned.
“Another person who knows Daniel Jones well said, This is not an injury he’s concerned about.”
Jones may not be concerned about the injury, and his performance in practice may have been encouraging. He did draw attention with a noticeable hitch in his gait, though.
Daniel Jones Practices With Noticeable Limp
GettyDaniel Jones #17 of the Indianapolis Colts looks on before facing the Kansas City Chiefs.
Jones must also contend with the Texans’ pass rush. The Texans sacked Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen a career-high 8 times in Week 12 on “Thursday Night Football.”
There is also some discrepancy between what “full” participation meant for Jones on Thursday.
“#Colts QB Daniel Jones throwing a couple play action passes. Doesn’t look as fluid or fast as normal, presumably due to his fibula injury,” The Athletic’s James Boyd reported on X on November 27, sharing a clip of Jones in action. “He also hasn’t participated in every practice rep, so that leads me to think he’ll be listed as a limited participant today.”
The Athletic’s James Palmer posted his belief that Jones was “not moving around very well at all in practice today. Certainly something to keep an eye on!” after seeing the video.
Jones, 28, is in his first year with the Colts.
He played his way into early-season MVP discussions. Jones has completed 69.1% of his passes for 2,840 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. Still, if Jones cannot move well enough in the pocket, he could quickly become an easy target for the Texans’ pass rush.
Jalen Pitre Upgrades to Full Practice
Alex Slitz/Getty ImagesJalen Pitre #5 of the Houston Texans takes the field before facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Texans got more good news in practice in addition to Stroud maintaining his encouraging trajectory. Safety and starting nickelback Jalen Pitre upgraded to a full session after being limited on Wednesday.
Both Stroud and Pitre suffered their concussions in Week 9 against the Denver Broncos.
Stroud’s return has not been made official yet. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans noted the QB remained in concussion protocol on Wednesday.
“It’s a lot of different steps, and each guy’s different when it comes to the symptoms that they’re having and what they’re feeling,” Ryans told reporters on November 26. “Whatever they report that they’re feeling, we’re going to take that to heart and make sure we’re taking extra precaution with the guys whenever it’s a concussion issue. So right now, as we stand today, they’re still in concussion protocol.”
The Texans enter this contest riding a three-game win streak. That was with Davis Mills filling in as the starting quarterback. Still, the Texans will be in a strong position to continue their recent surge if Stroud and Pitre return.
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